Window shopping with an artful twist

WINDOW shopping in Limerick city centre has taken on an artistic delight.

Traders in Roches Street and Shannon Street are hosting a wide range of artists until next Saturday.

Commission money raised from the sale of paintings will go to Milford Hospice and Down Syndrome Limerick.

This unique art festival is supported by all the shops on both streets.

When a painting or other piece of art is sold, the artist donates 25% of the sale price, to be divided between Milford Hospice and Down Syndrome Limerick.

The festival started seven years ago and in that time more than €50,000 has been raised for worthy causes.

The festival gives an opportunity for young and lesser known artists to put their work on public view.

Well-known Limerick artists, including Una Heaton, Mike Byrne and Tom Greaney have also put works on display in shop windows.

Members of the Munster rugby squad are supporting the festival and Jerry Flannery performed the official opening.

Businessman Hugh Lilburn, who organises the shop window art festival said: “Roches Street has a strong Munster ruby connection as Michael Murphy, Barry’s father, is a well-known business figure here and Jerry Flannery’s pub is just around the corner. The art festival is something novel for the traders on our streets.”

Sr Phyllis Donnellan, fundraising officer for Milford Hospice, said funds from the shop window art festival goes towards financing their home care network.

Carmel Clare O’Connor, chairwoman of Down Syndrome Limerick said: “We have just moved to a new base in Castletroy and money from the art festival will allow us to expand our services. I have to commend the people of Limerick and they are always very generous in supporting charities.”

Over the coming week the organisers hope to raise €10,000 which will be divided between Down Syndrome Limerick and Milford Hospice.